Positive Health Online

Abstract

KUO and colleagues, Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan, China, kuotsung@mail.chna.edu.tw, have measured the De-Qi (soreness and numbness) effect of acupuncture on blood flow.

Background

The purpose of the study was to investigate the De-Qi effect that occurs in acupuncture.

Methodology

52 healthy volunteers were given acupuncture at the LI-4 (Hoku) point. During a test of 40 minutes, their skin blood flow was measured at the LI-11 (Quchi) point, and their palm temperature was monitored.

Results

Acupuncture increased blood flow when soreness and numbness was experienced by the subjects. If the needle was twirled after a few minutes, and the soreness and numbness sensations occurred again, the same increase in blood flow was seen. This was also true if the needle was not twirled but the person felt the De-Qi sensations a few minutes after needle insertion. After acupuncture, LI-11 did not show a continued increase in blood flow but LI-4 did. LI-4 acupuncture also increased palm temperature suggesting that the increased blood flow occurred in cutaneous blood vessels.

Conclusion

The experience of De-Qi sensations was accompanied by an increase in cutaneous blood flow along the meridian being stimulated. This may be one of the mechanisms accounting for meridian system responses during acupuncture.

References

Kuo TC, Lin CW, Ho FM. The soreness and numbness effect of acupuncture on skin blood flow. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 32 (1): 117-129, 2004.